Climate change: ‘ there will be no jobs on a dead planet ’

During the hottest week of the year, questions of how climate change will affect lives and livelihoods – and how unions will respond – were discussed at a special delegates conference online fringe event. Led by NEC member and UNISON vice president James Anthony, delegates heard how the union movement is preparing for the seismic changes that will drive the UK towards its 2050 net zero target. To achieve the goal, the UK government plans to phase out coal-fired power stations by 2024 and replace them with sustainable energy sources. Investment in public transport, renewable energy and nature restoration will be ramped up, while diesel vehicles will be banned from 2030 – with all new cars and vans being electric. The hope is that the green revolution will generate around two million jobs. But for trade unions, the transition from what was, to what must be, can’t be at the expense of livelihoods. Far from opposing the changes, unions are pushing to be included in the transition process, to help shape the inevitable. Stephen Smellie, who sits on the NEC’s policy development and campaigns committee and is deputy convener for UNISON Scotland, has seen a shift in attitude towards climate change. “I remember a time when I held a climate change fringe meeting and seven people turned up. There are 70 people online watching this event,” he said. “Even unions with members in oil and gas extraction recognise that the world needs to transition to a low, or zero car...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article 2021 virtual special national delegate conference climate change green unison Source Type: news